The ViewAuckland Review

There's something very comforting about the Lone Star chain of restaurants and bars. Despite the boots and all Texan ambience, a cool New Zealand confidence always shines through, and around the country a visit to Lone Star is always worthwhile. And with Lone Star Newmarket just a short wagon ride from home, a visit in my hometown was well overdue.

On a Saturday night the restaurant area is buzzing with larger groups, but Lone Star's bar is surprisingly busy as well. Lots of wood and moodily lit alcoves provide a relaxing background to the classic Kiwi sounds of Misex/ On the telly there's NPC rugby on with the sound down.

Lone Star's Western theme is brought to life with a wall of black and white pics of Elvis, Paul Newman and Johnny Cash all looking cooler than is humanly possible. On another wall a range of Kiwi heroes (and heroines) are featured including Sir Ed, David Lange and even Janet Frame. More of that classic Kiwi confidence eh...

Beers on tap are Kiwi icons as well with Speights, Lion Red, Mac's Gold and Steinlager all available. Steinlager Super Cold provides something a little different, and the wine list is a Kiwi greatest hits selection with every region representing what it's most famous for. There's Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, Pinot Noir from Martinborough. You get the picture, but all are well known labels and well priced.

A sensible approach to pricing also extends to the cocktail list. Frozen and shaken margaritas are both just ten bucks, and both are delivered promptly by the international crew behind the bar. A couple of servings of squid and mini drumsticks are also served up in good time as we wait for the Warriors game to start.

Apart from the Cock and Bull, the city end of Newmarket is lacking any decent bars, but Lone Star has proved it's a worthy option after the movies at Rialto, or before a meal at the growing range of ethnic eateries around the corner on Khyber Pass.

I've saddled up with Lone Star in Napier, Queenstown and Christchurch a few times before. Maybe it's time to make it more of a regular hometown habit as well.